The recent rainstorms in San Francisco left many parents scrambling to plan “rainy day activities” to help kids get their energy out and stay entertained. While San Francisco is full of things to do for families, many of those activities take advantage of our typically temperate weather and preference to be outside enjoying it! When the storms started, I updated my list of things to do on a rainy day.

Here are five places to escape the rain and have fun:

1. Field Station at Presidio Tunnel Tops: The center’s education facility is part of the newly developed Tunnel Tops Recreation Area in The Presidio. Adjacent to the Tunnel Tops playground, The Field Station is a place for all ages to explore the biodiversity of The Presidio. With plenty to explore, from using microscopes to observe plants and animals of The Presidio to making observations through art, The Field Station is a place to warm up and learn about our treasured national park.

Field Station at Tunnel Tops

The perfect spot to warm up and explore during a visit to Tunnel Tops

2. Presidio Bowl: Bowlers of all ages will have a great time at this secret gem in The Presidio. From afternoon birthday parties for kids with the bumpers up to evening adult leagues, Presidio Bowl is a hub of activity. Bowling has existed in The Presidio since 1917 and in the 1950s, the Army built a bowling center for base personnel their families. The Presidio Bowl has been in its current home since 1989 and offers 12 lanes of bowling and a game center. Reserve your lanes in advance and bring your credit card, because Presidio Bowl has gone cashless since the pandemic.

3. House of Air: House of Air is an indoor Trampoline Park located at West Crissy Field in The Presidio. The facility is our go-to spot when energy is high! While HOA hosts classes, birthday parties, and other events, the open trampoline jump time is perfect for our bouncy girl on a cold or rainy day. Reserve your spot and fill out the waiver online to maximize your scheduled time. Grippy socks are required, so bring your own or plan to purchase them when you check in!

4. Subpar Mini Golf: Subpar Mini Golf is an indoor putt-putt course in historic Ghirardelli Square. Each hole features a San Francisco landmark, so you can tour Alcatraz, The Golden Gate Bridge, and The Painted Ladies in the time it takes to play 18 holes! Reserve in advance and plan to enjoy an ice cream sundae as soon as The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop reopens!

5. The Exploratorium: Nothing beats a visit to The Exploratorium on a rainy day. The science, technology, and arts museum encourages hands-on exploration and is a family favorite. Located at Piers 15 and 17, The Exploratorium features six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries divided into themes such as Light and Sound, The Human Body, and Tinkering. With over 600 exhibits to tinker with and explore, it appeals to all ages and can fill an entire day!

Top 5 Things To Do With Kids In San Francisco On A Rainy Day